Aboriginal groups stage protests across Canada

AP foreign, Wednesday January 16 2013

WINDSOR, Ontario (AP) — Aboriginals are slowing highway traffic, snarling a rail line and protesting at the busiest Canada-US crossing point as part of a "day of action" in their ongoing dispute with the government over treaty rights.

Hundreds of supporters of the "Idle No More" movement gathered Friday at one entrance of the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario. Another entrance to the border crossing remained open, and organizers say the protest will not be a blockade.

Protesters also slowed traffic on a highway in Quebec and stopped a train on a rail line outside of Winnipeg. Marchers also temporarily diverted traffic from a bridge in New Brunswick.

The Idle No More movement began last month in protest of a federal bill that aboriginal groups say threatens their treaty rights established in Canada's Constitution.

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